Broncos survive Knights raid

The Brisbane Broncos, despite danger signs in before and after halftime, survived a Newcastle Knights raid, finishing with a 50-24 victory at Suncorp Stadium in front of 26,683 fans.

Brisbane coach Anthony Griffin would have been feeling he was on easy street as the Broncos took an early 24-0 lead after only 22 minutes. However the Knights fought back late in the second half, scoring three tries in 10 minutes. At half time the Broncos held an eight point lead at 26-18.

It was a perfect start for the Broncos as their first points were posted after only four minutes. Justin Hodges supplied Gerard Beale with a pin-point pass to open the scoring. Corey Parker found his kicking boots and converted to make it 6-0.

Jack Reed made the Knights defence look foolish with a beautiful dummy run as he strolled over for the Broncos' second. Parker extend the lead to 12-0 after 14 minutes.

The Broncos' domination continued with a further two tries on the board after 22 minutes. The first was awarded to hard-running Justin Hodges to show up his opposition as he powered through the Knights line. Dale Copley also found his way to the whitewash as his side continued to embarrass the Knights. The Broncos were all powerful at this stage, leading 24-0 mid-way through the opening half.

A turn in possession saw the Knights claim their first four-pointer as captain Danny Buderus darted from acting half to hit back, 24-6 the scoreline following Wes Naiqama's conversion. The visitors' confidence grew as they crossed the line a further two times before the half time break.

The Knights' second came through late inclusion Wes Naiqama, who strolled over for the Knights with the visiting side simply spreading the play before straightening up through the line to score. The Knights hit back straight away with another four-pointer - a 50 metre try starring Darius Boyd who linked with Buderus to score his second.

At halftime both sides were welcoming the break, with the Broncos in front 26-18 courtesy of a Corey Parker penalty goal on the halftime siren - a tricky decision for video referee Bernard Sutton who could have easily given the Knights a try at the other end after Jarrod Mullen found himself sprinting 90 metres to dot down under the sticks. It wasn't to be, Parker adding the two for Brisbane to extend the halftime margin to eight.

Master coach Wayne Bennett would have rallied the troops with a heartly halftime speech - and the words of wisdom worked, as the Knights scored the first points in the second half. Richard Fa'aoso, easy-as-you-like, crashed over under the posts. Naiqama closed the gap to two points with the successful conversion, Broncos 26-24.

Sadly for the Knights faithful at Suncorp, they were the final points scored by their heroes. "Slammin'" Sam Thaiday spun through under the posts to score, returning the Broncos back to an eight point lead, the scoreboard reading 32-24 after the conversion. Justin Hodges had a power game for the Broncos as they streaked 70 metres to claim their sixth four-pointer. Wallace extended the ledger to 38-24 as the siren approached.

The Broncos put the Knights to the sword with two quick back to back tries in the final five minutes. Andrew McCullough and Dale Copley added their names to the scorer lists with wonderful play from the victors to cap off a see-sawing afternoon.

It will be a trip to forget for the Newcastle boys as they were defeated 50-24 despite a hopeful scoreline at the half time.

The Knights will return home in Round 14 to host the Canberra Raiders at Hunter Stadium, while the Broncos will head to Allianz Stadium in Sydney to take on the Sydney Roosters.

LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary Good Afternoon League fans, welcome to NRL Sunday live from Suncorp Stadium. The high flying Brisbane Broncos host the battling Newcastle Knights.

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin has confirmed that Dunamis Lui will not take his bench spot today, as a result Mitchell Dodds is added to the side in 18.

Meanwhile for the Newcastle Knights, just the one change which sees Timana Tahu is out with Wes Naiqama replacing him
1 min: We are underway with the Broncos kicking off through the boot of Corey Norman
2 min: Great defensive set from the Broncos holding the Knights in their own half who are forced to kick off their 40 metre line. So far in the contest the Broncos have control of the field position.
4 min: TRY TRY! BroncosJustin Hodges with a powerful run managed to get a offload and pop the pass to Gerard Beale who busted through a hole to score. Corey Parker nails the conversion to extend the lead from out wide out.Brisbane Broncos 6-0
5 min: Terrible mistake from the Knights, Neville Costigan penalised for being offside at the kick restart after the kick. Broncos have the ball from the free kick 20 metres from the line.
6 min: Peter Wallace opted for the high bomb kick on the end of the set however Uate calm as you want and took the ball on the full in goal. As a result the Knights have a 20 metre optional restart.
8 min: Wallace's kick at the end of the set unable to sit up in goal and rolls dead. Knights have another quick tap on the 20 metre line.
9 min: The Knights making some good meters in there set they complete the set with a big kick which fell down to Josh Hoffman who was collected by Uate. However Broncos have the ball 5 metres from the goal line.
10 min: Penalty to the Broncos for markers ruled not square at the ruck. Free Kick taken and the Broncos have the ball on halfway.
11 min: The Knights give away another penalty, so that is back to back penalised for the Broncos. This time for a high shot, Broncos with the ball deep in the Knights half.
12 min: The Broncos looked for points however they had a zero call but Parker threw the ball back on the inside and the Knights dived on it. Knights holding on with only the one conceded try.
13 min: Last tackle kick from is charged down by the Broncos and the Knights are back under pressure again in their half.
14 min: TRY TRY! BroncosJack Reed charged to the line and sold the dummy run to break through two Knights defenders to score the Broncos 2nd four-pointer. Corey Parker with a similar attempt at as the first adds the extras.Brisbane Broncos 12-0
16 min: Knights come up with an error and the Broncos have another chance to extend the lead only 30 metres from the Knights line.
18 min: TRY TRY! BroncosJustin Hodges on the back of the Knights error showed his power and busted the defensive line and crashed over for the Broncos 3rd try of the evening. We are at a point a minute here. Corey Parker with the conversion attempt from out wide is successfulBrisbane Broncos 18-0
22 min: TRY TRY! BroncosCorey Parker made a line break and on the last tackle Dale Copley has crashed over with terrible Knights goal line defence. A simple line passing game gets the Broncos their fourth. This is a whitewash so far. Corey Parker nails the conversion again. Broncos are just rolling through the Newcastle side at the moment.Brisbane Broncos 24-0
23 min: KNOCK ON! Ben Hannant lost the ball in the tackle of Joel Edwards. The Knights have a chance in the Broncos 20 metre zone to hit back for points.
24 min: The Knights playing side to side footy in the set, however Jarrod Mullen's grubber earns the side a repeat set through a line drop out.
25 min: Alex McKinnon looked to bust through the line but the Broncos give away a penalty for offside at the goal line. Knights with their third repeat set on the Broncos line.
26 min: TRY TRY! KnightsAfter some possession on the Broncos goal line, Danny Buderus out of dummy half darted for the line and scored the Knights first points. Finally the possession swings with the visitors and they claim points. Wes Naiqama from next to the uprights converts.Brisbane Broncos 24-6
28 min: Penalty to the Knights for Peter Wallace ruled offside at marker and the Knights march upfield to attack 20 metres out.
29 min: Jarrod Mullen on the 4th tackle looked to attack the line but the kick had too much pace on it and rolled over the dead ball line. The Broncos come away with the ball through a 20 metre optional restart.
30 min: Peter Wallace goes to the air on the last tackle and Wes Naqiama comes up with the ball. And the Knights then earn penalty for the Broncos laying in the ruck too long. Knights with possession from the kick just inside the Broncos half.
32 min: TRY TRY! KnightsWes Naiqama getting the Knights back into this game with simply spreading play and strolls through the line and scores. The Broncos opening up to concede their 2nd try. Wes Naiqama converts his own try to close the gap as they look hit back after a terrible start.Brisbane Broncos 24-12
36 min: TRY TRY! KnightsThe Knights go back to back as Darius Boyd streaks away 30 metres before linking up with Danny Buderus to race away and score under the posts. The Broncos have fallen away in the last 10 minutes. Wes Naiqama nails the kick from in front.Brisbane Broncos 24-18
37 min: Penalty to the Broncos as the Knights made no effort to get back on side at the play of the ball. Broncos have the ball 30 metres from the Knights line
39 min: WOW! Video Referee Decision for the Knights, Jarrod Mullen has streaked away 90 metres to score. Looking at the onside at the kick.
39 min: NO TRY!Jarrod Mullen is denied in the final moments of this first half. Broncos will get the penalty for offside against Mullen. Knights very unlucky there.
40 min: PENALTY GOAL PENALTY GOAL!Corey Parker extend the lead with the successful attempt at the penalty goal.Brisbane Broncos 26-18
40 min: HALF TIME at Suncorp Stadium sees the Broncos holding film leaders 26-18 over the Knights after they lead 24-0 after 22 minutes. The Broncos certainly took the foot off the pedal in the back end of the half with three Knights tries in 10 minutes.
41 min: We are back underway here at Suncorp Stadium with the Knights kicking off.
42 min: A bit of mis communication between the Broncos outside back as Hoffman and Beale collided in the attempt to take the bomb from the Knights. The Broncos have the ball deep in their own half
43 min: Great covering defence from Peter Wallace came from centre field and raced to the wing and force James McManus into touch who almost made a break for the line. As a result the Broncos have a scrum feed 10 metres out from their goal line.
45 min: KNOCK ON! Joel Edwards in the attempt to run the ball dropped it cold off a pass. The Broncos have the ball off a scrum feed 20 metres from the Knights line.
47 min: Corey Norman on the last tackle was caught by the Knights defence. A poor attacking set from the Broncos, however credit to the Knights who stepped up in defence on their line.
48 min: KNOCK ON! Dale Copley fought in the attack trying to break free and dropped the ball as he went to ground. Knights have a chance for points off a scrum feed 30 metres out from the Broncos line.
49 min: Video Referee Decision Pending for the Knights, possible for Darius Boyd. Questionable grounding.
50 min: NO TRY! KNOCK ON! Darius Boyd has dropped the ball over the line as he backed into the goals. Knights attack seemingly strolled through the Broncos but unable to get points. Broncos come away with it through a 20 metre tap.
50 min: Penalty to the Broncos now for a slow release in the ruck. The Broncos with possession deep in the Knights half, attacking 20 metres out.
51 min: KNOCK ON! Corey Parker in the attempt to pull the ball out of the tackle and lost it. Knights hold on with the defence picking up in the second half.
54 min: Penalty to the Knights for a high tackle from Josh McGuire. Knights marched up field and had a full set from half way.
55 min: KNOCK ON! Tyrone Roberts dummied to no one and in the contest of the tackle lost the ball. Broncos survive and work it out of their half.
55 min: OFFICIAL CROWD at Suncorp Stadium has been posted at 26,683
56 min: KNOCK ON! Jack Reed leapt for the high ball after the Broncos made a line break up field, the Knights holding on in this contest as they work it from their 10 metre line.
57 min: Penalty against Ben Hannant as he held down the player in the tackle. Knights kick up field and attacking on the Broncos 40 metre line.
57 min: An intercept taken by the Broncos but a penalty given as Alex Glenn tackled without the ball. Chance for the Knights.
58 min: TRY TRY! KnightsRichard Fa'aoso off a simply line ball pass and strolls through the Broncos defence and crashes over under the posts. Wes Naiqama nails the conversion from in front to close the gap to 2 points, after the Broncos lead 24-0 after 22 minutes.Brisbane Broncos 26-24
60 min: Knights complete their set with a high kick as Josh Hoffman under a load of pressure took the ball comfortably.
61 min: Both wheel have fallen off the Broncos attack here, forward pass ruled from Peter Wallace to Justin Hodges. Knights have a scrum feed 10 metres from the Broncos line.
62 min: KNOCK ON! Wes Naiqama unable to take the bullet pass as he dropped it cold. BUT straight off the mistake the Knights have the ball back
63 min: KNIGHTS ON THE ATTACK 10 METRES OUT and the FIGHT is on!
63 min: Penalty to the Broncos for Chris Houston coming and pulling Alex Glenn off the tackle. The Broncos very lucky to come away with the ball out of their own half.
64 min: TRY TRY! BroncosSlamming Sam Thaiday spins and dummies through the line to score under the posts. Wonderful footwork from the big man. Peter Wallace nails the conversion from in front to extend the lead back to 8 points.Brisbane Broncos 32-24
66 min: The Broncos are fired up now as they made 60 metres in the set, Peter Wallace kicks on the last tackle and Uate comes up with the ball. Knights with possession on their 20 metre line.
67 min: Jarrod Mullen opts with a grubber kick down field and rolls touch in goal. The Broncos with the ball through a 20 metre tap.
69 min: Peter Wallace tried a little grubber kick through the defence and regathered the ball but lost it on other side of the play. Knights get the ball through the last tackle change over on their 20 metre line
70 min: Boyd kicked for the sideline but bounced back in field and fell in the hands of Josh Hoffman who was met quickly by the Knights defence.
71 min: TRY TRY! Broncos The Broncos go 70 metres to score and extend the lead. A long cut out ball drew James McManus and the gap opened up for Beale to race away. Justin Hodges in support took the short pass and streaked for the line to collect his second. Peter Wallace converts to extend this lead.Brisbane Broncos 38-24
72 min: The Knights attempted a short kick off but it ended up bouncing to the 30 metre line as the broncos took it.
73 min: The Broncos cough up the ball and Chris Houston dives on the ball. Knights attacking from the 40 metre line.
73 min: The Knights playing jungle ball and give up possession to the Broncos. They have it through Beale 20 metres from the line.
73 min: The Knights playing jungle ball and give up possession to the Broncos. They have it through Beale 20 metres from the line.
74 min: A mistake from the Broncos gives the Knights a scrum feed on the 20 metre line. Time off here as we have a head clash between Costigan and Alex McKinnon.
75 min: Another mistake from the Knights as they cough up the ball through a heavy tackle. Broncos with the ball attack 20 metres from the Knights line.
75 min: Another mistake from the Knights as they cough up the ball through a heavy tackle. Broncos with the ball attack 20 metres from the Knights line.
76 min: TRY TRY! BroncosAndrew McCullough steps over through the Knights defence and strolls over. Corey Parker converts from in front.Brisbane Broncos 44-24
78 min: TRY TRY! BroncosThe Broncos putting the sword in now as Dale Copelay streaks away, he was wrapped up short of the line. Peter Wallace on the next play links up with Josh Hoffman who dived for the line under the posts. Corey Parker nails the conversion as the full time siren sounds.Brisbane Broncos 50-24
80 min: Full time in Suncorp Stadium sees the Broncos 50 def. the Knights 24 after they lead 24-0 after 22 minutes.